Sept. 16, 2026
Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about Switch Together, the 2nd Annual NOVA Loop Trail Puzzle Hunt, personal property taxes and the Green Business Partners program. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at fairfaxcounty.gov.
Fairfax County residents have an extended opportunity to go solar at below‑market prices through Switch Together, a group‑buying program offered by the national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. The deadline to sign up for Switch Together is now Nov. 18, giving residents more time to explore solar and related technologies. Switch Together uses a competitive reverse auction to secure discounted pricing on rooftop solar, home battery storage, and EV chargers, and this year’s participants are expected to save about 21% compared with individually contracted installations. Participants in the program also have the option to lease rather than buy the system. To learn more about the program, visit SwitchTogether.com/FairfaxCounty.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation invites residents and visitors to take part in the 2nd Annual NOVA Loop Trail Puzzle Hunt, a free, self-guided outdoor adventure that combines exploration, problem-solving and recreation. Participants who register by September 30 will be entered into a special early-registration prize drawing. The Puzzle Hunt begins October 1 and continues throughout November, giving participants two months to discover the NOVA Loop Trail at their own pace. Whether they prefer to walk, run, bike, scoot or roll, participants can explore as much or as little of the trail as they choose. Created by the Solving Fun Puzzle Pals, the hunt features puzzles spread across nine segments of the roughly 70-mile NOVA Loop Trail, which connects eight trails across Northern Virginia. Each puzzle leads participants to a location where they’ll find clues that ultimately lead to the final challenge. In total, there are 30 individual puzzles across all nine segments, plus one final puzzle. Before the clues are released on October 1, participants can explore the loop and use the map’s color-coded segments to decide which one they’d like to tackle first. Registration is free, with several chances to win prizes throughout the hunt, including weekly drawings and a special prize for participants who complete all the puzzles. Ready to get started? Sign up by September 30 to be entered into the special early-registration prize drawing, then download the puzzles starting October 1 and begin your adventure. Register online at solvingfun.com/hunt-structure/novalooptrail.
Personal property taxes — better known as car taxes — are due on Thursday, Oct. 5. Bills were mailed this summer, and there are many convenient ways to pay. Save gas and time by paying online — it's quick, easy and free when you use an e-check. When paying by e-check or via debit or credit card, you can schedule when you want the money to be sent from your bank account. While you can pay online using a credit or debit card, be aware that a third-party service fee will be applied. Other ways to pay include by phone, a third-party service fee will be applied; call 703-222-6740. Or return your payment by mail using the envelope that came with your bill. If you are paying with a check or money order, you can also put your payment in the secure, red drop boxes at the Fairfax County Government Center — or put in the book drops at six library locations between September 19 to October 5. If you decide to pay in person at the Fairfax County Government Center, Suite 223, be prepared to wait in line. Tax offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays — and we will offer extended hours for service in person or by phone on Friday, September 29 to Thursday, October 5, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays only.
Join the Fairfax County Green Business Partners on Thursday, Oct. 1 for a Fall Social, “From Load to Asset: Making Energy Demand to Asset: Making Energy Demand Response Work for Your Business." Participants will explore how shifting energy use during peak times can generate revenue, lower operating costs, and support a more resilient grid, turning what is traditionally seen as a cost burden into a strategic asset.
The Fall Social is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. ET at the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility, 9399 Richmond Highway, Lorton. This mid-morning networking event is a great opportunity for local business leaders to connect, share ideas, and learn practical strategies to improve energy management in their facilities. This event is free, and space is limited. Register today to secure your spot! Visit FairfaxCounty.gov and search “Green Business Partners”.
Finally, subscribe to “Weekender,” the county’s weekend arts and entertainment e-newsletter. “Weekender” brings together offerings from around the county and delivers that info right to your inbox. Don’t miss out on fun happenings throughout the county. Subscribe to “Weekender” at fairfaxcounty.gov/news/weekender.
That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. Follow the NewsCenter podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. You can also listen 24/7 online to Fairfax County Government Radio at fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. If you have questions, call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia, Government.
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